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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 2

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Collingwood v Richmond, MCG, 5.40pm

It has taken two weeks longer for the AFL to get the show started than the NRL, but there is no denying it has hit the spot with the scheduling of this clash to launch the resumption of the season. It is a cracker.

Richmond were extremely slick early in their match against Carlton in March before taking their foot off the gas, while Collingwood monstered the Western Bulldogs. If there is to be a premiership won by a Victorian club in 2020, you’d expect the Tigers and Magpies are going to have a large say in proceedings.

Richmond appear settled and a bit healthier than the Magpies and possess the firepower forward of centre, notably Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, to stretch the Magpies’ back half.

VERDICT: Richmond by 13 points

FRIDAY

Geelong v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, 5.50pm

Three home games over the next month have afforded Geelong an opportunity to spark their season which started in ordinary fashion when beaten by Greater Western Sydney.

It is critically important they take hold. Hawthorn demolished Brisbane back in round one, much to the surprise of many. They were efficient at close quarters and, as we have seen from Alistair Clarkson-coached sides, took away the strengths of the opposition.

The Cats boast a formidable record at home, although much of that is built on the feasting of interstate clubs. In saying that, the absence of Jaeger O’Meara (facial fracture) helps them enormously.

VERDICT: Geelong by 11 points

SATURDAY

Brisbane v Fremantle, Gabba, 11.45am

Those expecting Brisbane to hit the ground running in round one following a straight-sets exit last September were left scratching their heads after a meek performance in the loss to Hawthorn.

There is no time to waste for the Lions, especially given their block of games in Queensland. That is something that should alarm Fremantle, who arrived on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night ahead of this daunting assignment.

The Dockers don’t have access to either Joel Hamling (ankle) and Alex Pearce (ankle), hindering their desire to stifle a Lions side that has genuine leg speed and can score heavily.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 38 points

Carlton v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

The wait goes on. Is the authentic Melbourne the 2018 version that stormed into the preliminary final or what we witnessed prior to that for a long period of time and again last year, and in round one opposed to West Coast at Optus Stadium earlier this season?

This match could well provide an answer. The Demons have an opportunity to bounce back, but will be well and truly tested by a Carlton outfit that has some personnel issues, yet believes it is ready to make a statement.

The availability of Eddie Betts and Harry McKay in attack is a huge plus for the Blues, who received an immediate return on investment from Jack Martin against Richmond in their season opener.

VERDICT: Carlton by 9 points

Gold Coast v West Coast, Metricon Stadium, 5.40pm

Star West Coast defender Brad Sheppard gave an excellent insight into the 2018 premiers’ mindset regarding hub life when he said last month that they needed to “suck it up”.

That sort of attitude will serve the Eagles well. They are not only a quality side, but one laced with experience and an ability to perform in the face of adversity. There will be stiffer assignments than this one during their month-long stint on the Gold Coast, but this is one which needs to be completed.

The Suns haven’t won in over a year and despite the presence of veteran duo Jarrod Harbrow and Pearce Hanley, it’s difficult to see them ending the drought.

VERDICT: West Coast by 29 points

Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

In a condensed season, Port Adelaide should be well on their way to having bragging rights as the premier team in SA after the completion of this game.

Having eclipsed Gold Coast back in round one, they should take care of their cross-town rivals to leave them 0-2 and having to cope with the blow back that comes with a loss to the Power.

Port trio Robbie Gray, Ollie Wines (if he isn’t suspended by the AFL) and Charlie Dixon are poised to play despite some injury issues earlier this year and though the Crows are also relatively healthy, their lack of pace could be exposed.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 21 points

SUNDAY

GWS v North Melbourne, Giants Stadium, 11.05am

Greater Western Sydney looked every bit the team seeking the chance to atone their grand final mauling when they dismantled Geelong in round one. It’s highly unlikely the appetite for redemption has waned during the break.

The Giants are very healthy, save for gun midfielder Tim Taranto (shoulder reconstruction) and will look to light up the visiting Kangaroos, who are wounded and not possessing the necessary firepower in their front half.

Running down St Kilda in round one at Marvel Stadium is a far easier assignment than tackling GWS in Sydney. A Kangaroos win would be an upset of some note.

VERDICT: GWS by 29 points

Sydney v Essendon, SCG, 1.35pm

Sydney were dealt a savage blow in the lead-up to this clash when Lance Franklin sustained a serious hamstring issue, an undeniable setback that was compounded by fellow tall forward Sam Reid’s ongoing soft-tissue issues.

That said, the Bombers head north minus Orazio Fantasia (quad), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (ankle) and Joe Daniher (groin). Their absence weakens the Bombers’ goal-kicking stocks and compiling a total against the Swans at the SCG can be difficult at the best of times.

Buoyed by a tight win over Adelaide in round one, the rebuilding Swans are entitled to believe a 2-0 start is achievable.

VERDICT: Sydney by 8 points

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, 4.05pm

What adjustments has Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge made in the aftermath of the round one loss to Collingwood?

One would hope significant because the brand of football dished up by the Bulldogs isn’t sustainable. The unwillingness to put their head over the ball and stand up in a contest was stark … and it won’t have been lost on St Kilda.

However, the Saints were also disappointing in round one and need to be able to string four quarters together if they are to trouble a side many feel can be active well beyond the end of the home-and-away campaign.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 15 points

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